• Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 26, 2005
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    His most evenly measured album. [20 May 2005, p.75]
  2. These are heartfelt songs: sometimes cheeky and occasionally heartbreaking.
  3. Folds has mastered his material to the point that he no longer relies on a smartass punch line to deliver the goods.
  4. While there is a warm undercurrent of tenderness that runs through Silverman, it's never cloying or clichéd; rather, Folds can take the simplest notion, insert a gorgeous piano motif, and hit that one line in falsetto that gives you goose bumps... without breaking a sweat.
  5. Not only is Folds singing better than ever, and not only is his song-writing oozing confidence - but the musician in him is also at the peak of his powers; the piano playing is just mesmerising.
  6. If you hate Ben Folds, you’ll hate this album just as much as anything else he’s ever done. If you’re a fan, you’ll be quietly satisfied.
  7. Musically, Silverman is his best effort since Messner.
  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    He has... found more deserving targets for his wit than suburban rappers and T-shirt-hoarding girlfriends. [5 May 2005, p.70]
  9. Q Magazine
    70
    He has finally shed some of his ironic detachment. [Jun 2005, p.111]
  10. Mojo
    70
    [A] consistently crafted and stimulating set. [Jun 2005, p.100]
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 64
  2. Negative: 3 out of 64
  1. WillyM
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Ben's best album, and that's saying a lot.
  2. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    6
    Solid Ben, but where did those soaring melodies go?
  3. HenryR
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    It's not as immediately engaging as most of his other works, but it's still a fine album. I agree with the general notion that this It's not as immediately engaging as most of his other works, but it's still a fine album. I agree with the general notion that this is his most "mature" work to date, but it also feels like his most subdued. Even so, by the third spin or so you'll fall in love with this album and want it in your regular rotation. Full Review »